Stethescope, what kind should I get?

northern girl · Apr 23, 2000

My suggestion would be that you get the best 'scope that you can afford. It really really helps when you are trying to learn heart and lung sounds. I recently got an ultrascope (they have a website), it is really is comparable to a friend's littman cardiology 'scope, it was cheaper, and the one of a kind head makes it less likely someone else will walk away with it!

Trauma Columnist · Apr 27, 2000

I agree...buy the best sope you can. I personally prefer the Littmann Cardiology III which I got in central IL for $130.00. Don't bother investing in BP cuff. They get scummy after just a little use. Better to use what the hospital provides. Put your name on your scope and slip it into a pocket or around your neck. They do have legs. Good luck.

jlb · May 20, 2000

I love the acoustic transmission of the Sprague-Rapport type stethoscopes. These are very inexpensive, but break easily.

I finally broke down and purchased a Littman Master Cardiology. This is a fine stethoscope and I recommend this if you have the $$$.

One note of recommendation: Whatever type you end up with, be sure that the tubing length is only around 12-15 inches. This will mean cutting off tubing for most brands, but the difference is sound transmission is like night and day.

ShannonB25 · May 20, 2000

I purchased a Litmann classic for about $65 just before my clinicals started and have been very pleased with it. As a matter of fact, I've even had instructors say what a good stethoscope it is.

TINAM · May 30, 2000

I BOUGHT A LITTMAN BECAUSE MOST OF MY PROFESSORS AND NURSES I SPOKE WITH SAID TO BUY THE BEST ONE THAT YOU CAN AFFORD. THEY ALSO SAID THE SAME THING ABOUT SHOES. I BOUGHT THE CLASSIC FOR ABOUT $65.00. I THOUGHT THEONLY MAJOR DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE CLASSIC AND THE NEXT ONE UP WAS THE PRICE.

Peggy8 · May 30, 2000

Hi everyone!

I want to thank everyone who responded to my post on what stethescope to purchase....I think I will take the suggestion of Littman, for $65.00....One more question, where do I purchase it...online? Mail order? Let me know guys....thanks again!

AngelRn · Jun 1, 2000

HEY!! If you havnt bought it yet you can do it with a CC.. this site has the Littman for only 54.00 http://www.cpo.to/

And a B?P cuff too.. My School wanted us to buy both and this was cheeper than the store or the website they suggested. Just a thought. Hey and good luck, I started my intro to nursing classes this May!

monica f · Jun 2, 2000

Littman's master cardi. is $149 no taxes or shipping charges....at www.netuniform.com

That is the cheepest place I have found they are also a good company to order from. I have not had any problem recieving my orders.

janleb · Jun 18, 2000

I would purchase a light one, the heavy ones tend to hurt my ears

QUOTE]Originally posted by Peggy8:

Hi everyone out there!!! Pardon my spelling if I spelled stethescope wrong...anyways, I was wondering which steth is good for a nursing student? How much should I spend on one? Should I also get a blood pressure kit? How much should I spend on it? Pleeeese let me know....thanks!!

KSEFLINK · Jun 24, 2000

Just an FYI. If any of you work in hospitals already and have an in with your purchasing department and/or biomed, they can sometimes get great deals on pricing if the stethescopes come under jurisdiction of a buying contract. Our unit has done this and we got great deals on the Littman III's.

nursling2001 · Jul 15, 2000

you need nothing more than a Littmann master classic II that will run you about $70. it is adequate and works well for your needs. word of advice, keep track of it, it will disappear quickly in the hospital. good luck.